Tuesday of the 2nd Week of Lent

When the prophet Isaiah called on the Hebrews to set things right with God, he was talking about humility and about the ability and the willingness to see ourselves as God sees us, and not to be so concerned with what other people see. Humility means being honest with God and being open to receive his forgiveness and his divine life.

The Hebrews had put material wealth ahead of God’s concerns, ignoring justice and the predicament of orphans and widows. What was worse, they had carried on a pretence of holiness with their worship. But God loved them enough to confront them with the truth, and offer them his forgiveness, if they would only confess their sins and turn back to him.

God’s goodness didn’t stop there. He also promised that if they turned back to him, they would “eat the good things of the land” (Isaiah 1:19). They would experience God’s mercy and share in his blessings; and not just spiritual blessings. Instead of being caught up in trying to appear better than they were, they could rest secure in the love of God. And that security would free them up to enjoy life far more deeply.

During Lent, we try to take an honest look at ourselves as we approach the Sacrament of Reconciliation. There we not only receive God’s forgiveness, we are exalted as his adopted children. When we humble ourselves before God in this way, we come to discover how valuable we are in his eyes, and with his help we are able to reach our full potential. Like the Hebrews, we too can enjoy “the good things” of this world.